A former police officer has claimed that "blood splatter will be vital" in the investigation of the Southport stabbing.
A major incident has been declared in Southport after "a number of reported casualties," with eight being treated at the scene, and a 17-year-old has been arrested.
Speaking to GB News, former police detective Kevin Hurley said: "The main point at the moment is to seize every single piece of evidence that will enable the police to put a proper report together of what the facts are, and send them on to the Crown Prosecution Service.
"So there will be a really significant number of crime scene investigators deployed to where all these terrible stabbings took place. It's a very coordinated approach in that they appoint a person called a crime scene manager.
Police at the scene in SouthportX/@ChauffeurWest"Things like blood spatter patterns, footprints and so on are all going to be vital evidence to be able to explain to prosecutors and possibly a jury what's gone on.
"That scene will be closed off and then a very careful planning process will be developed as to how they enter.
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"For example, they may well use what are called foot plates that you put down so that you don't walk all over the scene.
"Some things may or may not be relevant, depending on the flooring, the actual shoe prints of the attacker may be relevant."
He added: "The next thing is, of course, the suspect that they've detained will be treated as a crime scene because indeed he is.
"Assuming they've got the right person, all his clothes will be taken off him because they will want to get every form of evidence. There's going to be fibre transfer from the children's clothing, perhaps teachers or adults.
"There may be blood spatters from the children. They'll be wanting to make sure they've got his fingerprints and his DNA to be able to compare that with fingerprints and DNA that may have been recovered from the knife."
Kevin Hurley shared his thoughts on the investigation
GB News
A Merseyside Police statement said: "We can confirm that emergency services are in Southport following a major incident this morning, Monday July 29.
"At around 11.50am, we were called to a property on Hart Street to reports of a stabbing.
"There are a number of reported casualties and more details will be confirmed when possible.
"Armed police have detained a male and seized a knife. He has been taken to a police station.
Police at the scene in SouthportX/@ChauffeurWest"Please avoid the area while we deal with this incident. There is no wider threat to the public."
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said: "Horrendous and deeply shocking news emerging from Southport.
"My thoughts are with all those affected. I would like to thank the police and emergency services for their swift response. I am being kept updated as the situation develops."
